While lymphoedema cannot be cured, it may be possible to keep it under control using complex lymphoedema therapy (CLT), also known as complex decongestive therapy (CDT).
There's no cure for lymphedema. Treatment focuses on reducing the swelling and preventing complications.
Lymphoedema is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs.
There is currently no cure for lymphedema, but the condition can be managed by taking the appropriate steps. First, early diagnosis and education are key to good long-term management of your condition.
The early stages (stages 0 and 1) of lymphedema are often reversible, while the later stages (stages 2 and 3) tend not to respond as well to treatment. This is why it's very important to see your health care provider as soon as you notice any concerning symptoms.
Early-stage lymphedema can be treated with nonsurgical interventions, including medication, a healthy diet and manual compression. For advanced-stage lymphedema, surgical intervention may be recommended.
People with stage 3 lymphedema — the most advanced stage — have visible swelling, and the affected area enlarges and becomes misshapen.
If you are overweight, losing some weight will be beneficial for preventing and reducing all forms of lymphoedema. A significant gain in weight will make existing lymphoedema worse and any care more difficult.
Congenital lymphedema - Usually manifests from birth to age 1 year. Lymphedema praecox - Occurs between the ages of 1 and 35 years; it most commonly occurs in adolescents. Lymphedema tarda - Manifests after age 35 years.
Exercise can reduce the risk of lymphedema. Exercise can lessen the pain and swelling from lymphedema. And exercise can sometimes even put lymphedema into remission.
Lymphedema that is not controlled may cause:
wounds that don't heal, and an increased risk of skin infections that may cause pain, redness, and swelling. thickening or hardening of the skin. tight feeling in the skin; pressing on the swollen area does not leave a dent. hair loss.
Avoid skin infections, burns, and injuries
Your body responds to infection, burn, or injury to the skin by sending extra fluid and white blood cells to the area. If lymph nodes and vessels are missing or damaged, it's harder for your body to move this extra fluid, which can trigger or worsen lymphedema.
The most common causes of lymphedema include: Cancer. If cancer cells block lymph vessels, lymphedema may result. For instance, a tumor growing near a lymph node or lymph vessel could enlarge enough to block the flow of the lymph fluid.
Does drinking water help with lymphedema? Absolutely! Because the body is more prone to hold onto excess liquid when it feels dehydrated, drinking enough water is especially important for those with lymphedema so they can maintain a healthy fluid and chemical balance.
That's why actress Kathy Bates, a two-time cancer survivor, calls lymphedema “a souvenir you definitely don't want.” Known for her work in “Misery,” “Dolores Claiborne,” “Fried Green Tomatoes” and “Titanic,” Bates opened up about her experience with lymphedema to People magazine.
The final stage of lymphedema is sometimes called lymphostatic elephantiasis, which refers to the engorged swelling of a limb due to persistent lymph fluid buildup. The skin stretches, thickens, becomes hard and tight, and changes color.
If left untreated, lymphedema gets progressively worse with time. What that usually means is that the affected area becomes more swollen. Over time, you may notice changes in the skin itself. Skin in the affected area may thicken and grow bumps and sores.
Complete decongestive physiotherapy is a highly effective treatment for both primary and secondary lymphedema.
Lymphedema can't be cured, but you can control the swelling and keep it from getting worse. Getting to and staying at a healthy weight may make it better, but "water pills" usually won't. Specialized lymphedema therapists can also help you manage the condition.
Similarly, it is possible for lymphedema to cause weight gain by encouraging the development of adipose tissue.
This research suggests that even before overt swelling is present, diminished lymphatic drainage is causing changes in the interstitial fluid that bathes cells. These microenvironmental changes convince adipose cells to resist calls to break down fat deposits to release stored food energy.
Researchers have now developed a new treatment using nanoparticles that can repair lymphatic vessel pumping. Traditionally, researchers in the field have tried to regrow lymphatic vessels, but repairing the pumping action is a unique approach.
The risk continues for the rest of the person's life. Lymphedema can't be cured, but it can be managed. Any swelling should be checked by a healthcare provider right away. There's no way to know who will and won't get lymphedema, but there are things that can be done to help prevent it.
Compression is one of the most influential and essential ways to manage leg lymphedema. Compression stockings, or compression garments, are specially made to support the lymphatic system and help avoid fluid from filling in the legs.